Local Information

Better known as a run-down industrial centre, heavy government investment over recent years has seen Lille transformed by combining its medieval charms with a modern infrastructure. Until relatively recently Lille's economy was almost entirely based on declining technologies such as textiles and heavy industry, lending the city a decaying, neglected appearance reminiscent of the north of England in the 1980s.

Since then the French government has invested billions of euros in Lille, transforming it into an attractive and culturally significant hub, attracting nine million visitors during its year as European Capital of Culture 2004. Based upon La Vieille Ville (Old Town) this is a status that is entirely deserved. The Flemish influence is particularly keenly felt in Lille's oldest quarter, so visitors should take the time to stroll around its network of narrow cobbled streets, cast into shadow by overhanging houses in a scene that could have come direct from the 17th century.

Stroll around the Old Town for long enough and visitors are bound to encounter the Place de General de Gaulle, Lille's main square. Mercifully now pedestrianised, the square is overlooked by the grand architecture of the Voix du Nord and the La Vieille Bourse, while the column dominating the centre of the square commemorates the siege of the city by the Austrians in 1792.

Musée des Beaux-Arts and Musée d'Art Moderne, the cities two main museums are also well worth a visit and include works by Monet, Renoir, Courbet, Picassos, Braques and Derains. Meanwhile, Lille's history as a former Flemish town means the city retains an indelibly Belgian influence, which is most noticeable in Lille's many restaurants, bars and clubs.

Lille's transformation from ugly duckling to reasonably attractive Swan has been truly remarkable. Although it does not have the architectural grandeur of Toulouse or Avignon, a long period of economic decline necessitated a popular dynamism from which the city continues to benefit.At car hire 3000, we offer car hire throughout France, including 6 locations for car hire in Nice and 12 locations for car hire in Paris

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